United Way of Greater Cleveland

It was an honor to have our President and CEO, Sharon Sobol Jordan, and Katie Martinovic, our Director of Development Communications and manager of our United Way Emerging Leaders program, attend the 2024 Cleveland Foundation Annual Meeting: Powering Transformative Leadership - Celebrating Cleveland's 20+ Years of Investing in Future Leaders.

This special event featured:
Lillian Kuri, President and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation
Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation
Victor Blackwell, CNN Anchor and Correspondent

Thank you to The Cleveland Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering equity and growth within our community and to Lillian Kuri as she highlighted our Emerging Leaders program as a key investment in Cleveland's leadership for the future.

Congratulations to our incredible UWGC co-workers Katie Dager Martinovic, MSSA, and Caitlin Miller for joining the Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2025! We are so proud of you both for stepping up as leaders in our community.

Keep making a difference!

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Who should you call – and when – to get help? Find out during our Community Conversation on July 18 at noon!

Numerous helplines are available by dialing three easy-to-remember numbers, including 211, 311, 911, and 988. Led by moderator Matthew Richmond of Ideastream Public Media, our panel of experts will offer insights into what to expect when someone calls one of these helplines, the essential services available to community members through each one, and debunk some misconceptions that exist about why people utilize these helplines.

Panelists include Michelle Snowden from United Way 211, Rick Oliver from FrontLine Service, Elizabeth Crowe from the Office of Urban Analytics and Innovation at the City of Cleveland, and Brandy Carney from Cuyahoga County's Office of Public Safety and Justice Services.

Registration is free but required to join the virtual conversation via Zoom - https://tinyurl.com/5n8vuvdr.

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: United Way of Greater Cleveland's Community Conversation: Vital Community Helplines: 211, 311, 911 and 988. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Everyone needs help at some point in their lives. But sometimes it can be difficult to know where to turn, especially in a stressful situation. Fortunately, there are several helplines available every day, each accessible with easily remembered digits: 211, 311, 911, and 988. The need for those help...

United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Volunteer Portal simplifies finding impactful volunteer opportunities. In partnership with Business Volunteers Unlimited, we’re making community engagement effortless. Join us in making a difference with just one click and help build a Cleveland that is

Begin your volunteer journey here: https://bit.ly/3SC69Th

📅 SAVE THE DATE 📅

UNITED WAY OF GREATER CLEVELAND

The Business Plan for Cleveland:
The Untold Story of How We ALL Succeed
Presented by KeyBank

Join us for an enlightening evening featuring:
Keynote by John Hope Bryant, founder of Operation HOPE, Inc. and Bryant Group Ventures, and best-selling author of Financial Literacy For All.

Roundtable discussion with:
Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb
Chairman & CEO of KeyCorp, Chris Gorman

📍 Location: Mimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square
📅 Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
🕠 Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
🍷 A reception will follow.

Discover how all Greater Clevelanders can build income and wealth for a healthier, more prosperous region. Registration details coming soon!

Questions? Email Brandi Gil at [email protected]

Make generosity a monthly habit! Join United Way’s Monthly Giving Program and become one of the supporters dedicated to creating positive change in Greater Cleveland. Your sustained donation provides reliable funding for vital programs, ensuring lasting impact. Plus, your first year’s gift will be matched, doubling your impact!

Sign up now: https://bit.ly/3Wkxq07

Paid Family and Medical Leave policies have proven effective in transforming our workforce and supporting families, yet Ohio's policies lag behind. Learn more about the economic and social benefits of paid family and medical leave policies in this guest blog by Abby Westbrook, Executive Director of Collaborate Cleveland: https://www.unitedwaycleveland.org/paid-family-leave-long-overdue/.

The data is clear: Paid Leave is a win-win ... and long overdue We live in a country lacking the basic policies and infrastructure to support workers. Paid Family and Medical Leave is a proven solution.

Congratulations to Monica Ghose – who recently won a Rising Star Award from the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA). This award recognizes emerging leaders and celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a significant impact on the future of the FBINCAAA and its mission.

Happy Fourth of July from United Way of Greater Cleveland!

As you enjoy this special day with your loved ones, remember the power of community and collective effort. Together, we can build a brighter, stronger future.

Show your support of our great city AND your neighbors with this limited edition Greater For All t-shirt crafted by GV Art + Design. Proceeds support United Way's programming in the Greater Cleveland community! https://bit.ly/3Ojwe8E

As we celebrate the vision and courage of those who declared our independence in 1776, United Way of Greater Cleveland will be closed on July 4th to honor this historic day.

We will reopen on July 5th. Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Fourth of July!

Imagine a Greater Cleveland where the economy is strong and benefits everyone, our ability to succeed is not defined by where we start, and the barriers holding us back are gone. United Way is working to make this a reality, but we need YOU! Help us close our campaign strong.

Give before the clock strikes midnight: https://bit.ly/4czeuj2

United Way of Greater Cleveland’s annual campaign closes in 72 hours! The clock is ticking. Can we count on YOU to help us create a stronger, more prosperous region for all of us?

Give today: https://bit.ly/4bj4hX6

Each fall, AAA hosts an annual workplace campaign. This year, they took it further with a Day of Action, supporting the YWCA Greater Cleveland and learning more about our mission. Together, we're making a difference!

Every parent should have the peace of mind that their child is cared for while they work. As United Way prepares to close our annual campaign, we ask you to become a leader in making this ideal a reality.

Give today: https://bit.ly/4czeuj2

A big thank you to Malley's Chocolates for the wonderful tour! We are excited about the opportunity to work together and make a positive impact in our community.

211 in the Community: Alex Cohen and Alea Newell represented our United Way 211 on Friday at the Cuyahoga Country Fatherhood Initiative Conference. They were joined by more than 70 organizations participating in the Resource Fair, which provides information and encouragement for fathers to help them create healthy and nurturing environments for their families.

United Way 211 also supports Cuyahoga County’s ongoing Fatherhood Initiative by connecting men to the services and programs that encourage fathers to play an active role in nurturing and raising their children.

On this Juneteenth, we honor those who were enslaved, celebrate the victory of freedom, and look toward the opportunity our future presents.

It is expected to be hot this week in Northeast Ohio, with temperatures forecast to be in the 90s all week. If you or someone you know needs help, call United Way 211 to learn about cooling centers in your neighborhood, information about swimming pools, and other ways to have a safe and healthy summer.

In addition, the City of Cleveland Department of Public Works has extended hours at several recreation centers that will serve as cooling centers. The following centers will be open from 11:30 am to 10 pm through Friday:

Zelma George Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Center
Collinwood Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Center
Gunning Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Center
Kovacic Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Center
Michael Zone Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Center
Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Center

Stay safe this week, and if you or someone you know has a need, simply call 2-1-1 as we can help.

Thanks to all who joined us during the Freedom Festival as we remembered those who were enslaved and celebrated our victories and each other.

A special thank you to Kevin Clayton of the Cleveland Cavaliers for stopping by to celebrate with our team.

We’re proud to be a sponsor for The MetroHealth System Freedom Festival. Visit our booth on Mall C this Saturday.

Let’s commemorate the end of the enslavement of Black-Americans on June 19, 1865 and celebrate together!

Summer can be a challenging time for families with children and teens. Without the structure and resources often provided by schools, families may struggle with childcare, food, and constructive and safe activities for children.

Sharon Sobol Jordan, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland, joined elected officials and representatives from other community organizations on June 11 at the Cuyahoga County Family First Initiative press conference at East End Neighborhood House’s Ubuntu Gathering Place. The event highlighted some of the many summer programs and resources, such as United Way 211 and FamilySpace, designed to support families and children.

Thank you to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne for organizing this important initiative, and to Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell; Lakewood Mayor Meghan George; Sonya Pryor-Jones, Chief of Youth & Family Success at the City of Cleveland - City Hall; Jacqueline Fletcher, Director of Children Family Services; Atunyese Vanessa Herron, President & CEO of East End Neighborhood House@; Nancy Mendez, President and CEO of Starting Point; and Rick Oliver, Director of Crisis Services at FrontLine Service, for participating.

By working together to strengthen our communities, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all!

Watch the full press conference here: https://cuyahogacounty.gov/county-news/county-news-detail/2024/06/11/cuyahoga-county-partner-agencies-present-summer-resources-and-programs-for-families

Our Families First: A Cuyahoga County Summer Initiative Cuyahoga County's latest news.

We were thrilled to host our second annual United Way Family Day at the Zoo. It was so fun to host our donors and their families. Face painting, giveaways, activities, hooray!

Visit our website to get involved, sign up for our newsletter, and find more great events to attend or to learn more about us.
https://www.unitedwaycleveland.org/

Are you passionate about fundraising for a meaningful cause? We are looking for an Associate Director of Community Philanthropy to join our diverse, enthusiastic team. Learn more about our open positions at https://bit.ly/43ax0t2

For Heath Monesmith, philanthropy is an extension of what it means to be a teammate and leader. “I believe in great teamwork,” he says. “Being part of a team means supporting one another, not just at work but in the world as well. We are all woven into our communities, and philanthropy is a means of giving back and being a great teammate.”

Read Heath Monesmiths full spotlight here:

Philanthropist Spotlight: Heath Monesmith For Heath Monesmith, philanthropy is an extension of what it means to be a teammate and leader. “I believe in great teamwork,” he says. “Being part of a

Our staff showed support for Greater Cleveland's LGBTQIA+ community at last weekend's Pride in the CLE! We sported our United Way of Greater Cleveland pride shirts, basking in the sunshine and the fabulousness of our community. Such a big thank you to LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland for putting this together, and all the sponsors who make this important celebration possible.

Evidence Right to Counsel is working

Both The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and the United Way of Greater Cleveland say RTC is effective. The metrics from the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel show:

Evictions are decreasing (down 23-percent since before COVID).

The number of tenants participating in Right to Counsel is increasing. Last year 5,372 Cleveland residents got help in 1,470 housing cases.

The city is seeing between a 300-percent and 400-percent return on investment. The program costs $3.5 million and the economic benefit is between $11.8 million and $14 million.

Listen to the full interview and read the article here:

Dayton to pilot Right to Counsel, as evictions continue to increase throughout region - ThinkTV In most eviction hearings, only the landlord is represented. The tenant usually can’t afford an attorney or doesn’t have access to Legal Aid lawyers. But some communities are starting to realize that paying for attorneys to represent certain qualified renters can save money in the long run and ...

Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. This month, and every month, United Way of Greater Cleveland is here to support you.

If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or anything else, our 211 service is a confidential resource to connect you with the help you need. Just dial 2-1-1 or visit 211oh.org to find support groups, mental health providers, and more.

You are not alone.

United Way 2-1-1 Greater Cleveland United Way 2-1-1 is a free community service for Greater Cleveland that you can use to get information about social, health, housing, and government resources 24 hours a day.

Asian American & Pacific Islander history month is ending, but we celebrate the achievements and contributions of our Asian American neighbors all year long. A big shout out to our funded partner Asian Services In Action - ASIA for the culturally and linguistically appropriate services they offer to the Northeast Ohio AAPI community! Read our new blog post to learn about the unique challenges faced by Asian Americans, how ASIA is helping, and an inspiring success story:

Meeting the unique needs of the Asian American & Pacific Islander community United Way's funded partner Asian Services in Action provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the Asian American & Pacific Islander community.

On this Memorial Day, we take a moment to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication remind us of the profound impact of service.

At United Way of Greater Cleveland, we are committed to supporting veterans and their families, providing them with the resources and assistance they need through United Way 211’s Help2Veterans program.

Learn more about 211 or get help here. https://www.211oh.org/